Vance-Granville Community College recently partnered with the Epsom Fire Department in northern Franklin County to offer a training program designed to prepare local firefighters for specific emergency situations that may occur on farms.

The “Machinery & Agricultural Rescue” course was conducted in March, with instructor David Pease of the R.E.D.S. (Rescue Extrication Delivery Specialists) Team, a group he helped found to provide specialized training. Pease has over 40 years of experience in rescue and emergency medical services.

Some 35 firefighters participated in the class, representing not only the Epsom fire department but also the Vance County Rescue Squad, the Bearpond Fire Department, the Cokesbury Fire Department, the Oxford Fire Department and the Louisburg Fire Department.

Randy Owen, the college’s coordinator/instructor of Fire/Rescue Programs, said that training courses like this represent the college’s interest in meeting the particular needs of the four rural counties served by VGCC. He expressed his appreciation to the Henderson Fire Department and the Vance County Rescue Squad for supplying special equipment and personnel to help conduct the course.

VGCC Dean of Continuing Education Dale Fey added, “Because agriculture is an extremely important part of the heritage and the economy of our communities, the Continuing Education division has initiated numerous programs in recent years that relate to farming, such as NC REAL Agricultural Entrepreneurship, Heavy Equipment Operator training and this fire/rescue course.”

VGCC provides training for both beginning and experienced firefighters in all areas of firefighting procedures and equipment, including training for firefighter certification at levels I and II. For more information, contact Randy Owen at owenr@vgcc.edu or (252) 738-3448.

–VGCC–